David M. Smith

Essex, UK

 

I am a retired academic who has often written poems and stories for my own enjoyment. Since early retirement I have begun publishing some of them and am thoroughly enjoying the experience. I live in rural Essex in the United Kingdom, have three children and three grandchildren. 

 

Poem written on 19^th April 2020

 

 

Like an anchorite

 

Trapped in my own home.

Not trapped, secured.

Shielded

Like an anchorite of old.

 

Not to pray to God in poverty

But reliant still upon

Goodwill

from Classical gods and heroes.

 

Hermes and the Amazon

Bring succour to my door.

Neighbours

Keep me safe, secure.

 

My world is but a window

On the world outside.

Remote

But cheering and kind.

 

Not like an anchorite.

I can access family and friends

On-line

This is the new interaction base.

 

So, not a hermit

But hermetically sealed

Indoors.

From evil viruses outside.